Florida Gov’t Weekly Roundup: A Third Of The Way There (Maybe)
March 25, 2017
One-third of the way through this year’s legislative session — assuming that it wraps up on time — some of the debates that will define the next six weeks are beginning to take shape. But there still seems to be a bit of haziness on where things are going.
There was movement on some of the more high-profile initiatives of the session, whether tearing down the “liquor wall” or overhauling the state’s higher education system. At the same time, there were few signs of movement on the budget, the one thing lawmakers must get done every year, and the thing that some have pegged as a reason the session could head to overtime.
At the same time, a longer-term project got underway, as the once-every-20-years Constitution Revision Commission held its first meeting — and promptly got into a scrape with House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, about when the next few get-togethers should be held.
There were also issues of crime and justice to emerge, including the ongoing battle over an Orlando prosecutor’s decision not to seek the death penalty in capital punishment cases and one House Republican’s own brush with the law as he made his way home from the Capitol.
The skirmish over the Constitutional Revision Commission has its roots in a stinging defeat of Carlos Beruff, now the panel’s chairman. Beruff months ago lost his attempt to win the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in a bare-knuckles battle against U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
By Monday, Beruff had undertaken another project that could have long-lasting effects on the state: chairing the panel empowered to recommend constitutional amendments directly to the voters, who will decide whether to adopt those changes in November 2018.
Beruff, a Sarasota homebuilder and close political ally of Gov. Rick Scott, is the first chairman of a Constitution Revision Commission selected by a Republican. He pledged an open process as the 37-member body got down to work in a ceremonial meeting.
“Every member of the CRC will have the opportunity to be heard and have the chance to fight for the issues they believe are important to this state,” he said. “Most importantly, though, we need to listen to the citizens.”
Complaints from various corners accused Beruff of having no apparent experience in constitutional law, and also raised questions about his closeness with Scott. But even some Democratic members of the GOP-dominated commission seemed less than concerned.
In fact, one of the first flashpoints around Beruff’s leadership of the commission came from Corcoran, a Republican whose relationship with Scott has become increasingly strained over the last several months.
Of the four men allowed to pick members of the commission — Scott, Corcoran, Senate President Joe Negron and Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga — the House speaker was the only one to place current legislators on the panel. Corcoran appointed five members.
So when the first four public hearings were announced — all of them to be held outside of Tallahassee, and during the ongoing legislative session — Corcoran was not pleased.
“Obviously … especially when you have such a once-in-20-year august body dealing with something that is of the highest impact, which is our Constitution, and you only have a limited number of members, 37, and immediately the first action is to disenfranchise one-sixth, I don’t think that’s a good start,” he said.
A spokeswoman for the commission responded Friday, noting that videos of the meetings would be available online and more meetings will be held.
“As a commission which meets just once every 20 years, commissioners have a responsibility to be accountable to the people of Florida and accomplish as much as we can in the short time we have,” said Meredith Beatrice. “The work before this commission is incredibly important. We will be working with all commissioners on additional public hearings to ensure the best possible outcome for families in our state.”
TEAR DOWN THE WALL
The nation’s most prominent Republican might be devoted to building a wall, but in Florida, some members of the Senate GOP were part of a push to tear one down.
The so-called “liquor wall” — a Depression-era ban on liquor being sold alongside groceries — took a hit when the Senate narrowly approved a measure (SB 106) to get rid of the prohibition.
The chamber voted 21-17 to approve the bill, as members argued over whether it might kill someone. And as two of the Senate’s more prominent Republican members got into a public fight on the floor.
The issue has led to repeated legislative battles in recent years, pitting Walmart and Target, which want to stock liquor on shelves near other goods, against Publix and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, which have stand-alone liquor stores as part of their corporate blueprints.
In asking lawmakers to reject the proposal, Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, said “large corporate citizens want us to do it (approve the bill) for their own economic purposes.”
That prompted Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, to fire back in a speech that ended with him dropping a live microphone on his desk.
“We talk about who is pushing it, but we know who is pushing against it too, Sen. Latvala. We know who’s pushing against it real hard,” Lee said.
On the other end of the Capitol, House committees began moving forward with two marquee issues. First, they approved the latest version of legislation in the years-long battle over what comes next for the state’s gambling industry.
The House Ways and Means Committee voted 11-7 to approve the proposal (HB 7037), aimed at creating a new agreement with the Seminole Tribe, even if a tribe representative recently called the proposal a “non-starter.”
The bill would continue to allow the tribe to have exclusive rights to operate “banked” card games, such as blackjack, at five of its casinos. In exchange, the Seminoles would have to guarantee $3 billion in payments to the state — earmarked mainly for education — over seven years.
But critics objected that the proposal gives short shrift to pari-mutuels. The measure would, among other things, ban popular and lucrative “designated player” poker-style games operated by numerous cardrooms throughout the state.
“The pari-mutuel industry has been a friend to this state. They’ve helped provide a lot of dollars for a lot of things to happen. They by-and-large are getting treated less well than they deserve for the service they’ve rendered the state,” Rep. Joe Geller, D-Aventura, said.
Sen. Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican shepherding the upper chamber’s proposal, was optimistic.
“It’s only week three (of the 60-day legislative session) and at this point I am more focused on the fact that gaming bills are moving than the differences,” Galvano, who is slated to take over as Senate president in November 2018, said in a text message late Tuesday.
On the education front, a House committee approved its version of a higher-ed reform bill, one that includes expanding Bright Futures scholarships and requiring state universities to begin using “block” tuition, some of the earliest movement on a priority of Negron, R-Stuart.
Both bills would expand the top-level Bright Futures award for “academic scholars” to cover full tuition and fees for those students who qualify for the merit-based aid. But while the Senate would expand the scholarship for “academic scholars” to the summer semester, the House wants to expand summer support to all Bright Future recipients.
There are also differences over the details of the tuition plan, which would replace the current per-credit hour charge with a flat per-semester fee.
PUNISHMENT AND CRIME
Outside the walls of the Capitol, the firestorm started by a Central Florida state attorney who says she won’t seek the death penalty continued to play out.
Aramis Ayala, whose decision not to ask for capital punishment for alleged cop-killer Markeith Loyd started the dispute, accused Scott this week of abusing his authority by handing the case to another state attorney.
Ayala, state attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit in Orange and Osceola counties, asked a judge Monday to put a hold on proceedings in the case of Loyd, accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and the execution-style killing of Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton.
In a five-page filing, Ayala argued that Scott lacks the power to strip her of her role as prosecutor. If a court interpreted state law to allow Scott’s action, Ayala wrote, the governor could supersede a prosecutor in any given case.
“Giving the governor the tremendous and unfettered discretion to interfere in that decision making, would be unprecedented and could undermine the entire justice system in Florida,” she wrote.
Scott defended his decision to appoint a different prosecutor.
“So the first thing I did was I asked her to recuse herself. She said she wasn’t going to, so I moved the case to Brad King. Last week, she said she was fine with that. Today she’s changed her position. So the case has been assigned to Brad King, and that was the right decision,” the governor said.
By the end of the week, another potential criminal case had grabbed attention.
With a blood-alcohol level nearly double the legal limit, state Rep. Cary Pigman was charged with drunken driving after a traffic stop on Florida’s Turnpike several hours after a House session Thursday, according to a police report.
Pigman, R-Avon Park, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday. Calls to his legislative offices went to voice mail.
STORY OF THE WEEK: The Constitution Revision Commission held its first meeting as it embarks on the once-every-20-years task of recommending changes to the state’s basic law.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “This is Florida’s version of `To Kill a Mockingbird.’ And I appreciate the committee supporting this resolution so that these families can get some closure.”—Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, on a proposal (SCR 920) that would apologize to families of the “Groveland Four,” a quartet of African-American men convicted under dubious circumstances of raping a white woman in 1949. Two of the men were killed in the aftermath of the alleged crime and two others served lengthy prison sentences.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Woman Convicted Of Stealing $300K From Disabled WWII Veteran
March 25, 2017
An Escambia County woman could spend the rest of her life in prison for stealing hundreds of thousand of dollars from a disabled veteran.
Kelly Lynn Knotts was convicted of theft from a person 65 years of age or older, 38 counts of exploitation of an elderly person and two counts of money laundering.
Knotts was arrested on the charges in October 2015 after a lengthy investigation conducted by the State Attorney’s Office and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The elderly victim is a disabled World War II veteran, with whom Knotts stood in a position of trust and confidence as his bookkeeper and caregiver. Knotts exploited the elderly victim over a two year period of time by committing multiple thefts. The amount stolen exceeded $300,000.
Knotts faces up to 230 years in state prison. She is currently incarcerated awaiting sentencing on May 10.
Andrew Jackson Beck
March 25, 2017
Andrew Jackson “Jack” Beck, 78 of Davisville, FL passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017, in Atmore, AL. He was born in Davisville, FL on October 26, 1938, to the late Andrew Franklin and Mable Marie Dove Beck.
He was a retired First Sergeant with the Army National Guard (Company A 711 Signal Battalion). He was a barber for many years, and started at the OK Barber Shop and then later worked part time at Elite Barber Shop. He was a Past Master of Carney Lodge and a Mason for 50 years.
Survivors include his wife, Sue Amos Beck of Century, FL; one sister, Opal Beck Rider of Wild Fork, AL; nephew and niece, Rusty Rider and Suzzane Mathis.
Services were held Sunday, March 26, 2017, at the First United Method Church of Atmore, with Dr. Debra Bishop officiating.
Interment was in Pine Barren Cemetery with full Military Honors.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Jean Soloman
March 25, 2017
Mrs. Jean Solomon, 79, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017, in Davisville, Florida.
Mrs. Solomon was a native of Walnut Hill, FL and has resided in Davisville, FL most of her life. She attended the Eastside Assembly of God. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dovie B. Phillips and Lillie Williams Phillips; three brothers, Davie L. Phillips, Willard C. Phillips and Clarence W. Phillips; and two sisters, Emma Lee Reynolds and Merlene Sowell.
She is survived by her husband, Merrill “Tommy” Solomon of Davisville, FL; one son, Byron Solomon of Pensacola, FL; three daughters, Lisa Larsen of Pensacola, FL, Dawn Ellison Beers of McDavid, FL and Angela Ellison (Richard) Cuadras of Pensacola, FL; one brother, Lindy B. Phillips of Davisville, FL; one sister, Ethel (Wendell) Wilcox of Daphne, AL; four grandchildren, Caleb Beers, Brittany Lauren Beers, Lacey Jay Berg and Nicolas Cuadras; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 26, 2017, at 2 p.m. the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Ronald Broadhead and Rev. Ken Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow in the Dry Springs Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Theodore Sherman Covan
March 25, 2017
Mr. Theodore ‘Ted’ Sherman Covan, age 83 of Century, FL passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017, at his home.
Mr. Covan was a native and lifelong member of the Century community. He was a United States Air Force veteran where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal Clasp and the Army Occupational Medal. During his working years, he worked for Penrod Drilling as a tool pusher.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mrs. Jerrianne Covan of Century, FL; son, Christopher Shane (Allison) Covan of Huntsville, AL; daughters, Sunceree Covan of Pensacola, FL and Christina Sheree Covan of Century, FL; brother, Willie Morris ‘Bill’ Covan of Century, FL; grandchildren, Alicia Covan, Aerial Covan, Luke Covan, Gabriel Henderson, Adannaya Mondaca, Bryan Romeros; five great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 24, 2017, at Byrneville United Methodist Church with Bro. Tommy Smith and Chaplain Jim Stickle officiating.
Pallbearers were Rommy Mondaca, Alejandro Mondaca, Randy Covan, Radford Covan, Christopher Covan, Gabriel Henderson.
Military Honors will be present.
Flomaton Funeral Home directing.
Josephine Miller
March 25, 2017
Josephine Miller, 75, resident of Pensacola, FL passed peacefully in her sleep March 20, 2017, the first day of spring and of rebirth.
Jo was the loving wife of Harry T. Miller for 46 exciting years. She was a mother of six whom all adored her.
She was an exceptional woman in so many ways. Filled with tenderness, grace, compassion and love, her life was the model for her chosen profession in nursing. Jo selected nursing home care as her 30-year career and touched many lives caring for the needs of those at the end of their earthly journey. Jo always knew just the right thing to say or do to make every boo-boo go away and a smile returned.
Jo was preceded in death by her eldest son, Howard E. “Butch” Cooke; her mother, Fanny Baggett; dad, Virgil Findley; brother, James “Buck” Findley; and sisters, DeMoval Velasco and Eloise Angelo.
Josephine leaves behind her husband, Harry Miller; children, Glenna Jo (Steven) Gonzales, Anthony Scott Cooke, Vernon Edward (Jeanette) Cooke, Timothy Paul Cooke and Matthew Miller; grandchildren, Donald, Marc, Joshua, Amber, Kristina, Kaden, Stephen, Colton, Kristin and Ashley; great-grandchildren, Dyston, James, Natalia, Roman and Evelinne; sister, Elsie (Bob) Winther of Brewton, AL; and brother, Gene (Linda) Findley of Gainesville, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She truly touched our world and will be forever missed.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 24, 2017, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South with Dr. Wilstone of First Baptist Church of Cantonment officiating.
Burial was in Bayview Memorial Park Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.
Clara Mae Burgess Cook
March 25, 2017
Clara Mae (Burgess) Cook was born in Hilbert, AL on December 31, 1934, to Handy and Sadie (Bell) Burgess, Sr. She was one of eight children. In her early years Clara attended Jehovah Lutheran Church and School for grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. She was also a caregiver, nursing assistant and volunteer with the Council on Aging. Clara also volunteered at McArthur Elementary School where she was the class Grannie. She enjoyed her time there as she loved to make people smile, especially children.
Clara married Bernard Cook Sr. on June 29, 1952. To their union they added eight beautiful children, Shirley, Bernard, Jr., Bernetta, Joslyn, Ronald, Robert, Patricia and Princess.
Clara is preceded in death by her parents, Sadie and Handy Burgess, Sr.; her husband, Bernard Cook, Sr.; daughter, Joslyn E. Cook; sister, Tiretha Burgess Johnson; brothers, Grady, Lacious, Walter, Edward and Handy, Jr.; and one son-in-law, Aaron Peace, Sr.
She is survived by one brother, John (Hazel) Burgess; one sister, Vanessa Knight; one sister-in-law, Wanda Cook; daughters, Shirley Peace of Pensacola, Bernetta Cook of Minnesota, Patricia Cook and Princess Cook, both of Pensacola; sons, Bernard (Angie) Cook, Jr. of Jacksonville, Ronald Cook of Pensacola and Robert (Barbara) Cook of North Carolina; grandchildren, Erica Peace of Pensacola, Aaron Peace of Texas, Chontae (Derrick) Simmons of Virginia, Ravin Cook of North Carolina, Saphfire Cook of Virginia, Brandie (Milo) Tirello of Tampa, Kevin Cook of Pensacola, Brittney Cook (Air Force), Alicia Cook of Pensacola and Candice Harris of Pensacola; great-grands, Alaysha, D’Cory, Rayvion, Leonna, McKenzie, Arabella, Ariana and Tashya; one best friend since childhood, Barbara Threatt of Pensacola and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Clara was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. She will be greatly missed but remembered always.
Visitation will take place Sunday, March 26, 2017, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 27, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Jehovah Lutheran Church with Pastor Nye serving as officiant.
Interment to follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
No Injuries In Highway 29 Semi, Car Wreck
March 24, 2017
There were no injuries in a two vehicle crash involving a semi-truck and car this morning south of Molino. The accident was reported about 6:10 a.m. on Highway 29 at Highway 196. The semi came to a stop slightly south of the accident scene at Victory Road. The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. NorthEscambia.com reader photos, click to enlarge.
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Escambia County March 29 Committee Of The Whole Rescheduled
March 24, 2017
The Board of County Commissioners Committee of the Whole Workshop originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 29 at 9 a.m. has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 25. The board will hold an Economic Development Summit beginning at 9 a.m., followed by discussions concerning the Brownsville Resource Center and Safe Neighborhoods.
The meeting will take place in the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, Board Chambers, at 221 Palafox Place.
All Commission meetings can be viewed live on MyEscambia.com/ectv, channel 98 for Bright House, Cox Cable and Mediacom (Pensacola Beach) subscribers and channel 99 for AT&T U-verse subscribers and are available on ECTV On Demand.
Century Man Charged With Assaulting Disabled Son’s Caretaker
March 24, 2017
A Century man has been charged with assaulting a caretaker working with his disabled son.
The victim, who was employed by an agency that cares for disabled persons, told deputies she was working as a caretaker inside a home on York Road when Marvin Anthony Haynie, father of the disabled person, entered the kitchen and held her against a freezer. She reported that Haynie then tried to kiss her and asked her to show him a private body area during the November 2016 incident.
Haynie was arrested this week for felony battery. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Friday morning with bond set at $7,500.